gifts to hone skills.

December 6, 2017

gifts to hone skills | reading my tea leaves

One perfect cast iron skillet + a shortstack of cookbooks for improving someone’s dinner game.

A pom-pom hat to finish before spring.

maple hand loom + some roving for passing a long quiet winter.

A mason bee house for awakening an inner beekeeper.

A set of glasses and a reference book for nudging someone toward connoisseur status.

A mushroom log + book for a burgeoning mycologist.

A digital guide + an aluminum stock pot for natural dye experiments.

Sourdough starter + lessons in print (or in person) for… getting started.

A subscription to Making Magazine to encourage all kinds of crafting.

An olive oil membership + inspiration for superior salads.

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18 Comments

  • Reply Kimmcg December 6, 2017 at 12:31 pm

    What an original idea for a gift guide! Thanks Erin

  • Reply MR December 6, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    This is so inspiring! We were not going to do Christmas this year, but if we do, this is exactly the spirit we would go for!

  • Reply nicole hoffmann December 6, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    oops- aluminum pots are not ideal for dyeing as they are reactive! Enameled, stainless steel or copper are better options. Beautiful gift guide-

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 6, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      Rebecca Desnos who wrote the natural dye book listed here actually recommends aluminum pots for natural dyeing because they help set the color!

  • Reply sasha December 6, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    This is wonderful Erin! Love the creativity and usefulness factor here.

  • Reply Kit December 6, 2017 at 1:16 pm

    I love this!

  • Reply Ruchita December 6, 2017 at 1:29 pm

    Olive oil member this is the best one! absolutely wonderful list!

  • Reply Nicole December 6, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    These ideas are fabtastic! Ive been stumped
    on what to get my MIL and I love the knitting kit and Magazine subscription idea.

  • Reply sasha December 6, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    Maybe a children’s skill, loving nature: the book The Night Tree by Eve Bunting + cocoa mix + popcorn, and if you are wanting to be extra wonderful, a home made quilt. This is what I’m giving the families I nanny for this year.
    It’s my very favourite holiday book ever, and i love sharing it.

    • Reply Kelly December 6, 2017 at 10:17 pm

      What a sweet gift! They are so lucky to have found you!!

      • Reply sasha December 7, 2017 at 6:12 pm

        Aww, thank you, that’s really kind. I love my job ♡

  • Reply Emilie N. December 6, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    I just recently purchased ‘Artisan Sourdough Made Simple” by Emilie Raffa. Could also go along with King Arthur Flour sourdough starter. Thank you for the great suggestions.

  • Reply Jennie December 6, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    LOVE this guide!!!! So original and inspiring.

  • Reply Kelly December 6, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    oooh. i love love love these ideas!!

  • Reply Amy December 7, 2017 at 6:43 am

    I love the idea of gifts that build skills, especially slow skills. I have the glasses above and love them. After all of our moves and many dishes later, they’re my favorite.

  • Reply Laura December 7, 2017 at 9:24 am

    Such a great list! Thank you! I might have to get the mushroom log for my husband.

  • Reply Samantha January 4, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    So fun when my friend’s company gets a mention on my favorite blog! Field Company skillets are pretty awesome- light, smooth, well seasoned. Thanks for liking them enough to put them on your blog.

  • Reply Yna Calamiong January 6, 2018 at 11:27 am

    Beautiful list! I now have a birthday gift reference to refer to this year. Thank you!

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